Buying a new van is a momentous decision for the majority of companies, with huge financial commitment at stake, getting the right van is key. With so many variants, options and opinions out there, we’ve highlighted 10 things to consider when buying a new van.
Your needs
10 Things to Consider When Buying a New Van
Maybe an obvious point, but still a point that is often overlooked when searching for a van is your own personal needs. You might find yourself a good deal on a multi award winning LCV but if it doesn’t fit the specifications for the job at hand you’re scuppered.
Before blundering into a van purchase, sit down and ask yourself all the boring “what tasks do I need this van to perform?” type questions. You’ll thank yourself later.
Size
Regardless of what anyone might say; size matters. By this, we don’t mean that you should buy the biggest van possible in an effort to impress your colleagues and neighbours; we mean that you should invest in a van that suits your purposes.
If you’re going to be constantly bombing up and down motorways from one end of the country to the other, a hefty van with lots of room is going to cut down on trips and do you all kinds of fuel economy favours. If you’re a courier doing lots of drops around tight urban side-streets and alleyways, it’s probably better to go for something smaller.
Loading Space
Big vans and sizeable loading areas are not the synonyms you might expect them to be. Always take a good look at key specifications such as “load volume” and “maximum load weight” before you invest in a monster vehicle with barely enough room in the back to carry a shoe box and a few postage stamps.
Running costs
This is vital. You don’t want a van with operating costs that are going to run you and your business into the ground. Check out things like miles per gallon before you make your purchase, buying a more expensive vehicle with lower running costs will pay for itself over time.
User testimonials
Check out the views of other people who have owned the van you’re after. Not just your mate Dave who test drove one with a faulty glove compartment once, but forums, reviews and other online testimonials.
This personal touch can give you a real insight into how the van runs and how it might suit your needs.
Safety
While all modern vehicles are required by law to meet certain basic safety standards, there is still a significant disparity between the safety of some light commercial vehicles and others. Check out details such as NCAP safety ratings to get a good idea of just how safe your prospective van is on the road.
Purchase options
The capital outlay on a new van can be savage, but there are other options. Crusader Vans offer options such as leases and hire purchase plans to spread the cost of purchasing and owning a new LCV while allowing you to experience the benefit of your new vehicle straight away.
Comparisons
Comparisons are an important part of any choice. Think you’ve found the perfect van for your criteria? Double check that by comparing it with other vans in the same class. Crusader Vans have pages dedicated to vans in the large, medium or small category that allow you to quickly and easily compare similar vans. Who knows; you might find a better deal on a more suitable vehicle.
Seating options
Not everyone uses their LCV simply for transporting cargo around. If you need an LCV for family uses also, or maybe to take colleagues to a job, you’re going to need some good seating options also. Many vans have retractable rear seats making them extremely versatile; definitely a good option for those using their vans for multiple purposes.
Special offers
Last but certainly not least are the special offers available on all sorts of LCVs. Before making your final selection, head over to the Crusader Vans light commercial vehicle special offers page and see what savings you could make on a brand new vehicle.
With these 10 crucial areas in mind, making the right decisions early on can make or break the relationship with your new van. If you feel you require any help when making those crucial decisions, please don’t hesitate to contact us, and speak to our experienced sales team.
